What do you do if a cat loses its appetite?
- Thread starter goodcow
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enjoy bell woods
Banned
When that happened to my dog, we took him to the vet and he was diagnosed with a disease that killed him a week later. 
goodcow said:
No.
Take him to the vet. I've heard pretty good things about the Animal Medical Center (http://www.amcny.org/asp/homepage/default.asp), that's where I'd go in pretty much any case.
LinesInTheSand
Banned
Definitely goto the vet ASAP. Over the course of like 6 months my cat slowly got skinnier and his appetite lessened and eventually he died. It was some sort of disease, I forget what though.
Spiritreaver
Member
Heh, even I knew the answer to this beforehand. Get it to the vet, I don't even think the forum needed to be even questioned on this. I hope everything works out though for your roommate and the cat.
MrPing1000
Member
eat the cat
ManDudeChild
Member
Try changing the flavors before going nuts ... but if that doesn't work, head to the vet. I know my cats are all picky about what they'll eat. two of them like crunchy cat food better than moist, one won't touch fish, and the other's a fan of beef.
Tritroid
Member
Sometimes cats not eating can be something very serious, but then other times it can be something really miniscule. Did you recently change the cat's environment? (i.e. moved?) Did you change the type of food he usually eats? Did you bring in another animal into the house? (Even if it doesn't stay inside). Cats are picky little bitches and can stop eating for any reason in the world.
To play it safe though, take it to the vet.
To play it safe though, take it to the vet.
Yeah, some cats (like the ones at my house) won't eat anything but the one type of food they're used to. Even if it be a "better" brand of food and the EXOTIC CATFOOD OF THE SEA, they still may prefer the stuff they ate before. For instance, the cats at my home won't eat any canned stuff.
Your cat has an eating disorder. I suggest taking it to a rehab center or calling Dr. Phil. Failing that, I say wrap it in a sack, toss it into a river, and adopt any one of the bazillion starving strays out there who'll eat shit if you gave it to them.Problem solved. 
Cats are a dime a dozen. PEACE.
Cats are a dime a dozen. PEACE.
Cauliflower of Love
Banned
You eat him, that'll show him.
I am dealing with the exact same thing.
My cat Hobo got heavy after I moved to a new place a couple of months ago. Then the last 3-4 weeks he got thinner. Finally after freaking out for a week waiting for his vet appointment, I took him and they did blood work and urine analysis ($200 later...) they said he is fine and that the vet thinks it is mental, which pissed me off, cause I know something has to be wrong. I am supposed to bring him back in a month to weigh him again. But the vet is not that concerned because he is 12 pounds which is the normal weight of a male cat. But it was such a change since he was I would estimate...20 pounds. But I did show the vet his teeth, because I thought for sure that was the problem since I seen redness by 2 teeth. The vet said that is gingervitis and should not interfere with eating. But he is very social, but stays away when I feed the other cats, I have to make a special plate for him.
But you have to bring him to the vet if it keeps going like that. He could have liver disease or his kidneys are not functioning. And keep an eye on him. If he goes off to be by himself that is not a good sign. Also check his pupils if they are dialated, that means for sure there is a problem and he is in pain. And pick him up, if he is sluggish or crys, get him to a vet ASAP. He also could have a virus - see if he is warm and has a temp. Also, check his nose - it should be cold and wet like a dogs.
My cat Hobo got heavy after I moved to a new place a couple of months ago. Then the last 3-4 weeks he got thinner. Finally after freaking out for a week waiting for his vet appointment, I took him and they did blood work and urine analysis ($200 later...) they said he is fine and that the vet thinks it is mental, which pissed me off, cause I know something has to be wrong. I am supposed to bring him back in a month to weigh him again. But the vet is not that concerned because he is 12 pounds which is the normal weight of a male cat. But it was such a change since he was I would estimate...20 pounds. But I did show the vet his teeth, because I thought for sure that was the problem since I seen redness by 2 teeth. The vet said that is gingervitis and should not interfere with eating.
But he is very social, but stays away when I feed the other cats, I have to make a special plate for him. But you have to bring him to the vet if it keeps going like that. He could have liver disease or his kidneys are not functioning. And keep an eye on him. If he goes off to be by himself that is not a good sign. Also check his pupils if they are dialated, that means for sure there is a problem and he is in pain. And pick him up, if he is sluggish or crys, get him to a vet ASAP. He also could have a virus - see if he is warm and has a temp. Also, check his nose - it should be cold and wet like a dogs.
Mercury Fred
Banned
Take him to the vet!
Last Spring, my cat stopped eating (though I didn't realize for a while as my roomie's cat was eating his food) and developed something called hepatic lipidosis. Basically, if cats stop eating for even a couple days, it's possible for them to go into this state in which they start processing their own fat to stay alive. Cats' livers are not able to deal with it and subsequently their bodies become flooded with toxins that the fatty liver can't handle. It's a very serious illness though much less so if you start taking care of it early on. Love your kitty and take him to the vet!
Last Spring, my cat stopped eating (though I didn't realize for a while as my roomie's cat was eating his food) and developed something called hepatic lipidosis. Basically, if cats stop eating for even a couple days, it's possible for them to go into this state in which they start processing their own fat to stay alive. Cats' livers are not able to deal with it and subsequently their bodies become flooded with toxins that the fatty liver can't handle. It's a very serious illness though much less so if you start taking care of it early on. Love your kitty and take him to the vet!
Dragona Akehi
Retired
First of all, are there any other symptoms? Coughing, idleness.... will he still play or is he sleeping? Second, and most important of all: is he drinking?
If he seems "dopey and lethargic" and he isn't drinking, take him to the vet right away.
Occasionally, cats will stop eating just because they aren't hungry. Is there another cat in the house? Sometimes they'll only eat at night if you leave kibble out for them, and therefore you won't be seeing them eat. Or he might be angry at something having been changed in the house. (That can make them sulk.)
However, it is VERY VERY serious if he is coughing/sneezing or is generally acting sick. (Just sleeping and not interested in anything.)
Another thing to do for a quick check is see if his ears are hot. (And I don't mean "warm", especially if he's been sleeping, I mean hot.) If they are, there's a good chance he has a fever. Also check and see if his third eyelid are out (makes their eyes look funny) and if there is any discharge from the eyes and nose. If his gums are pale (and not a healthy pink) he might be anaemic as well.
It's probably better to take him to the vet, just in case. If it's something really serious, they'll know right off the bat. Cats NEED to eat at least every other day to remain healthy. Dogs can manage without food for up to three or four days without any ill effects. Cats aren't like that though.
If he seems "dopey and lethargic" and he isn't drinking, take him to the vet right away.
Occasionally, cats will stop eating just because they aren't hungry. Is there another cat in the house? Sometimes they'll only eat at night if you leave kibble out for them, and therefore you won't be seeing them eat. Or he might be angry at something having been changed in the house. (That can make them sulk.)
However, it is VERY VERY serious if he is coughing/sneezing or is generally acting sick. (Just sleeping and not interested in anything.)
Another thing to do for a quick check is see if his ears are hot. (And I don't mean "warm", especially if he's been sleeping, I mean hot.) If they are, there's a good chance he has a fever. Also check and see if his third eyelid are out (makes their eyes look funny) and if there is any discharge from the eyes and nose. If his gums are pale (and not a healthy pink) he might be anaemic as well.
It's probably better to take him to the vet, just in case. If it's something really serious, they'll know right off the bat. Cats NEED to eat at least every other day to remain healthy. Dogs can manage without food for up to three or four days without any ill effects. Cats aren't like that though.
ConfusingJazz
Member
Tritroid said:
LOL, God bless you sir.
Really, you are gonna need some serious blessing.
Lemurnator
Banned
MrPing1000 said:
Why would anyone want to eat a skinny cat?
Dragona Akehi
Retired
FIV isn't necessarily a death knell either. First of all, he'd have had it from since he was born, as it passes from mother to kittens. Though it's similar to HIV in humans, it basically means his immune system sucks... not a total disaster like AIDS is for humans. I've known an old cat over over eighteen years, with FIV, and he's still kicking. Basically cats just get "sicker" with FIV than without it. So you have to be very careful when they get the sniffles. Feline Leukemia is a much worse possibility, if you ask me.
Anyway FIV wouldn't be the sole "cause" of his not eating. He'd have something else that would be making him ill, and the FIV would be preventing him from mending on his own. You can have a blood test done that will check for both FIV and Feline Leukemia.
Biggest worry cat owners should have is with upper respiratory illnesses. Since cats have such small sinuses and whatnot, even a "cold" can turn into pneumonia. Which is why vets recommend antibiotics whenever a cat is coughing -- even if it isn't a bacterial illness the antibiotics will prevent it from turning into pneumonia.
So again, without knowing other symptoms, I can't tell you if it's an emergency or not. But if you're at all worried, just have an office visit. Your cat and conscience will thank you for it.
Anyway FIV wouldn't be the sole "cause" of his not eating. He'd have something else that would be making him ill, and the FIV would be preventing him from mending on his own. You can have a blood test done that will check for both FIV and Feline Leukemia.
Biggest worry cat owners should have is with upper respiratory illnesses. Since cats have such small sinuses and whatnot, even a "cold" can turn into pneumonia. Which is why vets recommend antibiotics whenever a cat is coughing -- even if it isn't a bacterial illness the antibiotics will prevent it from turning into pneumonia.
So again, without knowing other symptoms, I can't tell you if it's an emergency or not. But if you're at all worried, just have an office visit. Your cat and conscience will thank you for it.
Dragona Akehi
Retired
I meant mainly. Yes it can be spread through fights (and sex!!!) and whatnot, but that's a smaller ratio. It's much more common for it to be spread from birth... I didn't mean to say it was the only way it could be spread. It's just much more common.
If his cat is neutered, it's a very small chance he's even gotten into a fight, if he goes outside...
If his cat is neutered, it's a very small chance he's even gotten into a fight, if he goes outside...
Society said:FIV sorry. It is also spread through cleaning and a shared litter. My Ozzy died from it earlier this year.
Edit:Actually, I am looking at the vet papers now, it was FIP. Feline Infectious
Peritonitis
FIP is caused by a mutation of the intestinal corona virus of cats.
Oh that poor baby. I thought you meant FIV because it is more common. Holy moley.
Dragona Akehi
Retired
Oh I feel for your Ozzy. It's hard to lose a pet (no matter what kind of pet). I lost a dear tabby friend earlier in the year to cancer. But I got two extra years of love from him (he outlived the vet's expectations), and I'm happy for that.
Society said:His mate was 'Kitty', she ran away.
I got a kitten from a parent who did not have shots ( I did not know that beforehand). The kitten was a carrier of the disease. I am left with a (cute) killer kitten and a dead best friend. :/
Most kitties get FIP but build up immunity and carry on. I was crying when I was petting Hobo before the vet visit. These are like my first pets (not first, but the first that depend on me for everything). I couldn't even handle the thought of him dying. Dragona Akehi said:
Did you have to make the decision, or did he go in his sleep?
We had a cat Chubba that was 21+ years old that had thyroid problems. We wished that he would just go in his sleep. But unfortunetly my brother and SIL had to make the decision to put him down.
They gave him medicine everyday but the last 4-5 months nothing helped. Finally he was literally skin and bones and he would cry at the wall because we think he didn't know where he was or where we were in the house. He would eat like crazy though...but it didn't matter. It was even harder telling people his name at this point. He was very far from being chubby.Dragona Akehi
Retired
Yeah I know how hard it was. It wasn't directly cancer, though that was going to get him very soon. He had an accident and broke his leg... we were going to have surgery for it, but his bladder failed. I had to put him down. Hardest thing I've ever had to do. He was such a dear dear friend. I found him as an adult stray and had him for over eleven years. It was very hard.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
Mercury Fred said:
This just happened to one of my cats. We switched food and she started eating less and less, then not at all. SHe had been a long time without eating before we realized it.
Worse, she would not start agaikn, no matter what food. We ended up taking he to a surgeon, who put a tube in her side,through which we injected moist high-protein food. She started eating again after 4-5 weeks of tube feeding. Thank god she's OK now.
Don't mess around, go to the vet.
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